BOLIVIA—Superintendent Edward Pruden anticipates Brunswick County Schools will have to find about $8 million worth of reductions in the school system’s budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, and he’s asking for help in determining where those reductions will come from.

Editor’s note: For the fourth consecutive year, in honor of Sunshine Week, the Beacon takes a look back at some of the top stories we brought you, which, if not for public records and open meetings laws, you would have missed.

It’s been a very busy year for Beacon reporters.

The ongoing saga at the Brunswick County Board of Social Services has been a persistent open meetings and public records battle for the Beacon behind the scenes.

BOLIVIA—The courthouse can be an intimidating place, even if you don’t find yourself in the defendant’s chair.

But the law provides that Lady Justice’s courts are open, as are her records.

In fact, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said more than 75 years ago, “Sunlight is said to be the best disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.” Brandeis’ words are just as powerful today as in 1933, and are backed by the U.S. and North Carolina Constitutions.

BOLIVIA—Advertising is going out this week for applicants to fill retiring Brunswick County Health Director Don Yousey’s position.

Yousey, speaking at the county board of health meeting Monday night, said if all goes according to schedule, interviews should be conducted in May and June. He said he would like for a new hire to be in place by July so he can work with the new person before he retirees at the end of that month.

CAROLINA SHORES—A packed, standing-room-only group of Carolina Shores residents is just saying no to countywide curbside recycling and its accompanying fees.

That was the turnout at a specially called town meeting with county officials at the Calabash Fire Department, where a number of the 150 residents in attendance came armed with plenty of questions about the program county commissioners are considering.

Assistant county manager Steve Stone said it would be up to the town to decide about services, which he said could be flexible.